Return to SF

We are former SF residents in town for a visit next week. We will be in SF for a few days, one night in Sonoma and then a night in Vacaville. We intend to visit a few old haunts (burritos from Cancun or Guadalajara, Chapeau! and a couple others). I’ve perused the board a bit and have some ideas. An obvious one is a visit to the SF Ferry Building--sadly we won’t be around for the market. I’d like to bend your ear on some specifics.

I used to love Cliffs BBQ, but it appears to have closed down. Memphis Minnies was usual our second choice. We have a baby in tow so I guess that lunch and a drink at Toronado is out of the question. Has any place new in SF opened up that might be worth a visit? Please, I don’t need to hear me that SF has no good southern BBQ—I live in Canada. I have to make BBQ at home. I’m also interested in finding some southern style fried chicken. We won’t be able to get to Ad Hoc. It seems to me our SF choices are Farmer Browns or Front Porch. Am I missing one?

I am also considering Indonesian something that we lack in Toronto. Is the choice still between Bamboo Village, Java Restaurant, Borobudur and Indonesia Restaurant? At present I am leaning towards Bamboo Village.

Fresh Seafood. We like old school like Tadich. Somewhere with Dungeness crab or sand dabs would be nice too—are they in season now?

Vacaville. Is there anything interesting in Vacaville for dinner at all? It seems to be mostly chains.

A roasted boneless leg of lamb makes an impressive centerpiece for your table, but this recipe is easy enough to pull off any time. A classic gremolata perfumes the lamb; the mixture of garlic, lemon, and parsley holds its own against the strong flavor of the meat. Read more.

Beef ribs can stand up to strong flavors. Here, a spicy-sweet rub with chili powder, cumin, cayenne, garlic, and brown sugar coats the meat, which is roasted to tenderness. Finishing on the grill with a smoky chipotle barbecue sauce ensures the meat gets a nice char and the sauce lacquers. Read more.